Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  My First NEW vehicle - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Rick - March 31 - 12:22 am

  As the first new vehicle I have purchased, I have liked my Ranger immensely. Everything about the truck has been good. I have made a couple of improvements (new stereo, fog lights, bed liner, bed cover) that have helped make the truck better. For a small light pickup, I would recommend the Ranger to anybody who needs one.

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  Its okay - 2001 Ford Expedition
  By Lulu - March 31 - 12:19 am

  Big repairs, but we put on big miles, too. We are on our third set of tires. Have had to replace the front hubs at about 160K miles. Amazingly comfortable for a big old tub thats as worn out as ours is. Midway, we had to replace the gas tank because it was warped and that cost about $900.

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  I LOVE MY TBIRD - 2005 Ford Thunderbird
  By mayra V. Perez - March 30 - 11:10 pm

  It is a fun car to drive and if you are a people person you will love it. I must meet about four people a week that want to talk about the car! I love the way it drives and handles smooth.

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  Reliable but cheap - 1997 Ford Escort
  By kris - March 30 - 2:40 pm

  We have had this car now for three years. It is reliable and easy to fix ourselves when it breaks down. It accelerates fairly nicely and the steering is nice and easy. The ride is rough you really feel every bump and sometimes it feels like we are riding inside of a bouncing ball. The interior quality is lacking, but it was never meant to be a top of the line car. The seats are uncomfortable for long drives.

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  Lower then expected mpg - 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By Dave - March 29 - 11:23 pm

  I liked the interior & exterior design and wanted to do the right green thing so I spent the extra dollars on the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid. Now Im extremely disappointed with the 21 mpg city driving it provides. Certainly not the 33 mpg advertised. I drain the little 15 gallon tank in no time. It stinks.

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  A better roller skate - 2000 Ford Escort
  By jemjunior - March 29 - 10:16 pm

  I needed a car in a hurry. I had good working relations with a local car rental dealer. Picked up the Escort with 32,000 miles for a good price. It has been a very reliable mode of transportation. My teenage daughter learned to drive in it. I still use it every day for back and forth to work. I plan on fixing it and driving it until the wheels fall off. I havent had any trouble besides normal wear and tear items. Be advised - the Escort doesnt "DO" anything. It just starts up, drives, and comes home.

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  My Freestar - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Jodi - March 29 - 2:21 pm

  Very reliable. A little lacking in power but a definite sense of security when you drive this vehicle.

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  Perfectly sensible - 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By EE - March 28 - 4:30 am

  I like this thing better than I thought I would. It doesnt feel slow, the gas mileage is good but not great ... until you compare it to OTHER SUVs, like my wifes Acura MDX which gets 12 MPG in the city while Im getting 25 in hilly San Francisco, heh heh heh. Interior is very pleasant and unpretentious. I see people are raving about the AC outlet, but I doubt if they ever tried to use it -- it handles only very low wattage, so plugging in anything useful trips the circuit breaker and shuts it off. Cant even plug in my tire inflation pump. For my usage, which includes city commuting plus trips into the snow, this AWD hybrid is perfect.

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  No Stranger to the Ranger! - 2004 Ford Ranger
  By Glen Gaboury - March 27 - 11:32 pm

  I am very pleased overall with my 2004 Ranger. While it isnt the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned, it is one of the most dependable by far. Maintenance/repair costs have been much lower than previous vehicles and at 150,000+ miles it is still going strong. I hope FORD decides to bring back the Ranger in an affordable package with a crew cab option. The back seat in the Supercab is pretty much worthless unless for some light storage. But, overall this is a great little truck!

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  Fun but Could be better - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By Sven - March 27 - 10:10 pm

  Fun vehicle. Great for a family of 5. It handles great, but could be better on the mechanics. Have had lots of problems with the driver seat, rattles in the dash, water leak from the rear window and a loud humming noise from the axle. The dealership has had the car for many issues. Gas mileage could be better, but what do you expect of a big truck. Even though we have had issues I would purchase another. Other cars same size do not compare with ride and room, also the deals and rebates Ford gives is much better than the rest.